New Eagles Nose Tackle Promises To ‘Shock The World’

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - NOVEMBER 11: Defensive tackle Ricky Jean Francois #95 consults with nose tackle Isaac Sopoaga #90 and cornerback Perrish Cox #20 of the San Francisco 49ers during a timeout against the St. Louis Rams on November 11, 2012 at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, California. The teams tied 24-24 in overtime. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)

By Spike Eskin

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – The Eagles held a press conference on Wednesday to introduce their free agent additions. Chip Kelly and Howie Roseman both said a lot of words, but it was a line from one of the new players that stood out.

“We are here to hunt. We are here to win. We are here, and I believe and I promise that we are going to shock the world,” new Eagles nose tackle Isaac Sopoaga said. “And I believe that Coach Kelly has a big solid book out there for us, and we’re willing and anxious to taste it and to show it and to show it in action. Once again, thank you. Thank you so much for having us.”

We’re no strangers to bold predictions from Eagles players around these parts. From Vince Young’s “dream team” gaffe to Michael Vick’s prediction of a dynasty, they’ve usually been a precursor to season full of disappointments.

But there was something more genuine about Sopoaga’s comments. When asked to clarify, he didn’t back down.

“Coach Kelly has a solid book that teams in this league haven’t seen it yet,” he said. ” They’ve seen it in college, and I believe there’s … we’re going to utilize it in this level of professional football, and that’s what I mean. And then I know that they are doing our best, their best to hunt and look for the perfect right guys for the system on both defense, offense and also our special teams. And that’s what I mean by that. We’re going to surprise and shock the world.”

Whether Sopoaga’s comments are foreshadowing or a bad omen is to be determined. One thing’s for sure, no matter how the 2013 Eagles perform, the promise to shock the world will not be forgotten.